Shillong, Aug 15: Joining the rest of the nation in commemorating India’s 79th Independence Day, the High Court of Meghalaya celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm and dignity within its premises. The Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice I.P. Mukerji, hoisted the national flag in the presence of judicial officers, court staff, and dignitaries.
The highlight of the celebration was the presence of the former Chief Justice of India, Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Justice H.S. Thangkhiew, Justice W. Diengdoh, and Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee of the High Court of Meghalaya.
In his address, Chief Justice, I.P. Mukerji emphasized the importance of duty over reward, stating, “Karma is in our hands, not the fruits of it.” Expressing pride in being part of Meghalaya’s judiciary, he lauded the court’s infrastructure, natural surroundings, and the efficiency of its staff. He also noted the scope for further development of the judicial system in the state and reaffirmed his commitment to public welfare through judicial service.
Former Chief Justice of India Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud delivered a thought-provoking speech on the deeper meaning of freedom. “Independence does not only mean freedom from colonial rule, but also internal freedom—a freedom of the mind and spirit,” he said. He highlighted the progress India has made in the past 75 years, especially in areas such as education, infrastructure, and food self-sufficiency, citing the improved road connectivity between Guwahati and Shillong as a sign of development.
Justice Chandrachud also called attention to the need for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among India’s youth, stating, “The future of India lies in liberating the energy of its young population and transforming it into self-motivation.” He urged young citizens to safeguard the nation’s diversity and uphold the values of inclusion and unity.
He praised the High Court of Meghalaya for its vital role in upholding the rule of law, not just within the state but as part of the larger Indian judiciary. “The High Court is a sentinel of governance, a bridge between citizens and the law, especially in a culturally rich state like Meghalaya,” he observed.
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that judges, while not always able to offer material relief, play a crucial role in healing societal wounds through empathetic listening and fair hearings. “Sometimes, just giving a citizen a patient hearing is an act of healing,” he said.
As the nation celebrates another year of independence, both dignitaries called for collective responsibility in building a just, inclusive, and strong India—where diversity is respected, and every individual plays a role in shaping the country’s future.
